THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION

Please accept my deepest gratitude for your support, prayers and many kindnesses during the days and weeks surrounding Mary’s death. Although an extraordinarily difficult journey, we knew that we were not alone – that friends, family and our God walked with us.

Despite the pain of her loss, there also were more than a few moments of profound joy, most notably in sharing the many ways Mary touched our lives. Her “coupon ministry.” Sorting and organizing the clothing for our food pantry clients. Assisting acolytes with their vestments. Planting flowers and shrubs. And, so much more!

We miss Mary and always will. But even as we grieve and our tears continue to flow, we are reminded of St. Paul’s unequivocal assertion that, “… I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39). Mary believed this. My prayerful hope is that together we will joyfully proclaim this same faith. Death doesn’t get the last word. Resurrection does!

I am planning to resume my parish responsibilities on Sunday, October 11. I especially want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to both The Revs. Deb Goldfeder and David Fly for their faithful service and gentle care of our Ascension family during my leave. I also offer special thanks for all who planned Mary’s funeral repast, prepared and served the meal and cleaned up afterwards.

The anticipation of stepping back into my pastoral role is both welcomed and frightening. On the one hand, I look forward to sharing the “Good News” of Jesus Christ with you in Word, Sacrament and daily ministry. On the other, I have no idea what my priesthood looks or feels like without Mary at my side. I ask for your patience and prayers as we work through this together.

Speaking of “sharing the Good News,” we will celebrate our 18th Annual Gospel Jubilee on Sunday, October 25 at 4:00 P.M., followed by dinner in the Parish Hall. Please invite your family and friends to help us lift our voices to the Lord.

Finally, we mourn the death of our dear friend, brother and priest: The Reverend Emery Washington. The clarity of his faith, prophetic witness of his ministry and his cultivation of a robust Black presence within The Episcopal Church are gifts we always will treasure. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at The Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion, 7401 Delmar Boulevard in University City, on Saturday, October 17 at 4:00 P.M. Rest eternal grant to Emery, O Lord; and let light perpetual shine upon him.

May God continue to bless you with a loving heart, a servant’s hands and a joyful spirit.

THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION

4520 LUCAS & HUNT ROADNORTHWOODS, MISSOURI63121(314) 361-0105ascensionepiscopalstl@yahoo.comAugust 30, 2015Dear Friends in Christ,You have been very much in my thoughts and prayers this past week as Mary and I continue the increasingly difficult journey with her illness.Ten days ago, she suddenly became extremely weak and was hospitalized for additional tests.Although the scan of her brain indicated the tumors had shrunk, the MRI of her spine revealed significant metastasis.With the disease now so widespread and Mary’s condition severely compromised, neither chemotherapy nor radiation therapy are appropriate.Together with her oncologist and treatment team, we decided to begin hospice care when she was discharged to our home last week.During the year since Mary was diagnosed with this very aggressive type of lung cancer, we prepared to make this decision and are at peace with it.Thankfully, she is not currently in any significant pain.Mary is gradually losing her appetite and is bedridden.Since she tires easily, I would suggest that cards and emails are more appropriate than telephone calls and visits at this time.I know Mary would love to hear from you.For the foreseeable future, The Revs. Deb Goldfeder and David Fly will lead worship and respond to the pastoral needs of our congregation as I focus on Mary’s comfort and care.If you need their assistance, please contact the parish office at (314) 361-0105 or Rev. Deb directly at (314) 484-9940.May God give his angels charge over Maryto keep her in all her ways.(Paraphrased from Psalm 91:11) Peace,Father Marc+